SHOP SMALL

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about gifting. Granted, many of us gift all year long, but when the winter holiday season arrives, many of us find it a bit stressful.

So, what can you do to alleviate the stress?

Shop small! Yes. That’s it.

Did you know, that by supporting local businesses, your chances of finding just the right gift, provided by just the right help, and at just the right price, can really make you happy?

It’s true!

Oftentimes when we enter a large box store, we’re immediately immersed in the “oh I need this” “oh I should get household cleaning products” “oh I think we need soda and chips” or “oh I know I have a coupon on my phone” and the next thing we know, we’re overwhelmed, tired, confused, hungry, and just plain agitated. We forget what we went in for in the first place.

If we enter that small local country store, or mom and pop run flower shop, we’re greeted with a smile, and a “how can I help you”? We receive suggestions, stick to our gift list, spend only what we need to, and leave feeling accomplished.

So no matter where you live, take a drive through your town and really see what’s probably been right in front of you….check out that local farmer’s market, beauty salon, restaurant, bakery, nail salon, florist, deli, shoe store, fitness retailer, children’s boutique, computer shop, candy store, coffee shop, ice cream parlor, vet, pet store, mechanic, craft shop, woodworker, liquor store, toy shop, and whatever else you may stumble upon.

You’ll be glad you did, and so will those shop owners. They may not receive the large volume of foot traffic like a big box store, but I can guarantee you, they will treat you better than any self checkout ever can!